Enews: Relationships before issues; Lutheran Campus Ministry gala; and more

September 13, 2023

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA Enews

Lutheran Campus Ministry invites supporters to fundraiser in October

Join Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities for its Second Annual Fall Gathering and Fundraiser at the beautiful Campus Club Terrace overlooking the city. We’ll gather around hearty appetizers, a cash bar, and good music to hear inspirational stories from students and alumni.

This gathering will be a chance to connect with each other and to raise money for the transformational work happening at Lutheran Campus Ministry – Twin Cities!

Thursday, October 5

Campus Club at the U of M

300 Washington Avenue SE, Mpls

5:00 p.m. Cocktails and appetizers

6:00 p.m. Program

7:00 p.m. Jam session and singing around the fire (bring your instruments!)

Tickets: $30

For more information

Synod staff this week

Bishop Ann Svennungsen will be attending the 13th Assembly of the Lutheran World Federation in Krakow, Poland, the next two weeks. Karen Ohm and Nicholas Tangen will be out this week on vacation.

Having faith in God and each other

“Gov. Al Quie was a friend of mine. You might think I’m bragging to mention this. Actually, I am more mystified by it. Really, it might just be proof that there is a God.

“The first time I was in Al Quie’s proximity was at a protest during his one term as governor of Minnesota. I was protesting him.”

Read Bob's blog

European Descent Lutherans gathering postponed

Every three years, the European Descent Lutheran Association for Racial Justice (EDLARJ) meets to build community, learn about racial justice, and to shape the future of EDLARJ. In a recent announcement, the gathering schedule for October 2023 was postponed until March 2024.

WELCA plans fall event that emphasizes "just love"

Under the theme of "Just Love," Women of the ELCA in the Minneapolis Area Synod is inviting congregational leaders to "gather your gals" and come to an incredible opportunity to connect, inspire, and create a better world – one act of love at a time!

Inspire: Bible study • Worship • Connection • Music • Friendship

Ignite: Explore mental health and loneliness, social justice and women’s imprisonment

Refresh: Coffee and Lunch • Childcare • Chair massage • Yoga

Serve: On-site impact projects • Global market

Saturday, November 4; 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

First Lutheran Church of Columbia Heights

1555 40th Avenue NE, Columbia Heights

More information or to register

Are your youth planning to go to the next Gathering?

Registration opens on Thursday, September 15, for the 2024 Gathering, MYLE, The tAble, and Young Adult Gathering in New Orleans!

Join your Synod Champions, John Hulden (MAS) and Kelsey Young (SPAS), for a zoom info session on Tuesday, September 12, at either 1:30 p.m. or 7:00 p.m., to start getting ready. They will go over what you need to prepare for registration, what priority registration includes, and time for Q&A. Register here to receive the zoom link by email.

How else can you prepare?

Check out the recording from the last meeting to learn more about what to expect at the 2024 Gathering.
Visit elca.church/gathering for more details.
Sign up for gNews for updates.
Download the Registration Workbook to prepare for registering your group.

Program to aid rostered leaders with financial planning

To address individual financial wellness among rostered ministers and their preparedness to manage the finances of a congregation or organization, Resourceful Servants has launched the Emergency Savings/Congregational Financial Assessment Program.

Rostered ministers selected for the program will build up their own savings reserves and improve their skills in managing finances in a congregation or organization by participating in both aspects of this combined program.

The program launched on August 11. The due date to qualify and apply for the program by completing the Financial Wellness Assessment is September 20, 2023. There is enough available funding for approximately 300 rostered ministers.

Learn more

Minnesota synods engage care of creation

Green Blades Rising is a monthly EcoTheology publication produced by the EcoFaith Network of the Northeastern Minnesota Synod with the Saint Paul Area Synod's Care of Creation work group. It contains an EcoFaith preaching roundtable, highlights of congregational creation care initiatives, creation advocacy opportunities, and more. To receive the newsletter directly in your inbox, subscribe here.

The newest edition features a fall pollinator project gathering; St. Paul's Brake Bread bakery, which makes deliveries via bikes; the New York Times' climate desk; and much more. Read the September issue here .

Where is the synod staff in upcoming weeks?

Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Christine Belfrey at San Pablo/Saint Paul's Lutheran, Minneapolis, on Sunday, September 17.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching and installing Pastor Sarah Bunge at Spirit of Joy Lutheran, Buffalo, on Sunday, September 17.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Sarah Scherschligt as Shared Leadership Pastor at Westwood Lutheran, St. Louis Park, on Sunday, September 17.
Mr. Nicholas Tangen will be preaching at Braham Lutheran, Braham, on Sunday, October 1.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Ian Coen-Frei at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran, Northeast Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 8.
Pastor Craig Pederson will be installing Pastor Amber Bergeson at Nokomis Heights Lutheran, South Minneapolis, on Sunday, October 15.
Pastor John Hulden will be preaching at Maple Grove Lutheran, Maple Grove, at its 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday, October 15.

Upcoming Events

Courageous Leadership Webinars , Wednesdays
Reclaim Gathering, September 14 - 17
The Worship Songs Worship Music Concert, September 17
Bishop's Theological Conference, September 24 - 26
Father Ed: The Story of Bill W.'s Spiritual Sponsor, September 27
Neighborhood Fall Festival, September 30
Compassion in Self Care, a Pre-Conference Retreat for Clergy, October 3 - 5
Refresher Course for Faith Community Nurses, October 5
Faith and Addiction Conference, October 5 - 7
Anti-Christian Nationalism Work on the Parish Level, October 8
Building Power Together, POSTPONED, October 12-14
Anti-Christian Nationalism Work on the Parish Level, October 15
Anti-Christian Nationalism Work on the Parish Level, October 22
Fall Joint Ministerium, October 26
Boundaries Training, November 2
JUST LOVE (Fall Women's Gathering), November 4
Refresher Course for Faith Community Nurses, November 9
Minneapolis Area Synod Assembly, May 2 - 4, 2024

Minneapolis Area Synod, ELCA www.mpls-synod.org